Folding step-ladder



(No Model'.)

` G. BBISNBR. FOLDING STEP LADDER.

No. 276,339. Patented @11.24, 18a3.

W @www UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. l

i GEORGE BEISNER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

FOLDING STEP-LADDER.

`SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 276,339, dated April 24, 1883.

4 Application filed January 23,1883. (No model.)

folding step-ladders; and it consists in the combination of the four side bars or pieces,.the steps which are pivoted between these pieces, the brace, the connecting-rods, and the stops connected with the rods and the side pieces, whereby the brace l"is prevented from being moved beyond a certain distance, as will be more fully described hereinafter.

The object ot' my invention is to provide astep-ladder which can be closed up. when not in use, andtbus not take up any unnecessary room. 4

"Figure lis a side elevation of my invention open. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same closed.

A represents two parallel side pieces, and B the steps which are pivoted therein.` These steps have their corners rounded, so as to pass through the side pieces, and suitable fastening devices are applied to the ends of the top and bottom steps for the purpose of holding the side pieces in contact with the ends of the steps. When the ladder is extended the steps assume a horizontal position, as shown in Fig. l; but when the ladder is` folded the side pieceshave an en dwise movementin an opposite direction to the steps, and thus cause the steps to assume the angle, shown in Fig. 2. The rear corners ofthe npperstep are made slightly longer than any of the others, so that these ends D will forma pivot, upon which the brace F is pivoted. This brace is connected to the front side pieces by means of the connectingrod I, which is pivoted at both of its ends, and which is provided with a hook or other suitable stop, J, which catches in the staple O, as shown.l These staples O are placed upon the rear side pieces, and in such a4 position that as the ladder is being opened outward the hooks automatically catch in the staples and form stops to prevent the ladder from being opened out any farther. When the ladder is closed the brace closes outside of the rear side piece, as is shown in Fig. 2, and then the whole step-ladder is folded in such a narrow space as to take up very little room when not in use.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- In a step-ladder, the combination ofthe side pieces, the pivoted steps, 'the braces, the connecting-rods provided with suitable hooks,and the staples attached'to the rear side pieces, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I atx my signature,

`in presence of two witnesses, this 15th day ot' January, 1883.

` GEORGE BEISNER.

Witnesses:

THOMAS J. MCGRATH, M. G. BUET. 

